Page 39 of Raw Honey
"Our first time is gonna be special, as it should be. It's definitely not happening in Ice's home, his porch, his yard, or his fucking driveway."
I giggle at his words as I realize he's right. I don't want our first time to be here.
"You're laughing at me," he says, surprised.
Smiling, I reply, "No babe, not laughing at you. Laughing ‘cause you are right. Thank you."
He smiles back. "I gotta go, babe. See you tomorrow."
"You got it, big guy," I reply. He kisses me on the cheek and proceeds to mount his bike. Revving the engine and placing his helmet on his head, he waves and drives off.
God, I love that man, I think to myself as I walk back into the house. And I realize that I am hopeful for our future together. And then a scary thought enters my mind: am I in love with him, or do I just love the idea of him? I shake my head.No! This is gonna work.
"Good morning, ladies," Ice says as he comes into the kitchen the next morning.
"Good morning, babe," Emma says as she walks over to him and gives him a kiss.
"Ari, are ya ready to go?" he asks.
"I am. Rebel was over this morning and helped me pack the car. It was tough saying goodbye, but he said that as soon as he gets back from Ireland he would come down and see me."
"Oh, I bet he will," he says sarcastically. "Promise me you'll be careful? You know I worry."
"Yes, Caden, I promise. You tell me all the time that I drive like a grandma. I don't think I can get any more careful than that," she says smartly. He laughs. Then she adds, "I was just waiting for you to get your butt out of bed so I could say goodbye before I left." She walks over to him and gives him a big hug.
"I'll call you when I get back to the States."
"Promise you'll be safe."
"I promise."
"Promise me something else?" she asks.
"Anything."
"Keep Rebel safe. Please bring him home to me, Caden." She sounds so scared and desperate. I feel bad for her and Emma. They are so worried about Ice and Rebel and I totally can understand that. I'm worried for them too, but we all have seen them survive the impossible and I have to keep the faith that they will survive this as well and come home to the women that love them.
Ari gives Emma and me a hug and turns to leave with tears in her eyes. I know that she wants to stay and I whisper to her, "Just one more semester, sweetie. You got this." She nods and walks out the door.
After Ari leaves, Emma excuses herself and runs upstairs, which leaves Ice and me alone. I'm sure it's another bout of morning sickness.
We are silent for several minutes and then Ice asks, "Will you do me a favor, Honey?"
"Sure, Ice. I would do anything for you."
"I want you to take care of Emma for me while I am gone. I have no idea how long we'll be gone, and it'll really make me feel better knowing that she has you as well as the club looking after her."
"Ice, there's no need for you to even ask that. Emma and I have built a true friendship and I've already planned on staying around here with her while you're away. You don't need to worry about her at all."
"Thank you. I knew I could count on you," he replies, relieved.
"Count on her for what?" Emma says as she comes back into the kitchen.
"Not a thing," he says.
"If you're talking about having Honey babysit me, I think she's beat you to the punch and has already planned on doing that."
He laughs. "So you were eavesdropping?"
